Hiker in Viral Helicopter Rescue Video Sues

Katalin Metro is reportedly willing to settle with city of Phoenix for $2M
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 27, 2019 1:00 PM CST

Back in June, the fire department captain said the hiker who was subjected to out-of-control spinning during a June helicopter rescue in Phoenix "suffered no ill effect ... other than being a little bit dizzy." But the hiker, 74-year-old Katalin Metro, begs to differ, per the New York Post. On Tuesday she filed a notice of claim against the city, which she reportedly is willing to settle with for $2 million. The notice says she had swelling and bruising in her eyes, blood in her auditory canals, soft tissue swelling in parts of her head, and a spinal cord injury that required surgery. She was ultimately discharged after two weeks in a rehab center, at which point she started outpatient therapy; she claims her medical costs tallied more than $290,000, Fox 10 reports.

"Katalin Metro’s injuries were caused or contributed to by the negligence, negligence per se, gross negligence, carelessness and/or other fault on the part of the City of Phoenix," the notice reads, alleging she also suffered emotional and psychological injuries. It also claims Metro, who needed help descending after she fell along the Piestewa Peak trail and hurt her face and head, told first responders she did not want to be airlifted out. Per 12 News, the ensuing helicopter rescue resulted in 174 spins; the video was watched millions of times. As for how Metro is doing now, her husband said this week she's "getting better every day." (More lawsuit stories.)

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